Oh my goodness, the tension, the drama, the dissapointment, the jubilation, the dashed hopes, defeat snatched from the hands of victory, and then grabbed back again, and that was all in the final few laps! Even if you are not a Formula One fan, there are still valuable lessons that can be learnt from the events that have been unfolding on our screens over the past 2 years.
Lewis Hamilton is the Formula One World Champion! Lewis, Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!! On the F1 circuit a mere 2 seasons, in his rookie year he was just pipped to the post despite being a regular on the podium but today he took the title. So what can we learn from his 'overnight success?'
The first thing to realise is that what we saw today, and have witnessed in the last 2 seasons is the culmination of a lifetimes work.
FOCUS ON WHAT YOU WANT
If you have not yet seen the footage, take a look on UTube for Lewis driving the remote control car on Blue Peter. The exhuberant presenter was no match for Lewis who refused to break his gaze and engage in childlike conversation when there was a race to be won! He politely answered a few questions, but his focus was always on prize. It's pretty rare for someone barely out of nursery school to have such a clear objective, indeed, the majory of my adult coaching clients come at a time when they are grappling with these very questions; What is their life purpose? What were they born to do? What should the next career choice be? Where should time, energy and focus be directed?
IT'S NEVER TOO LATE
Regardless of your age, the length of time in your career, your age or gender, if time and money were no object what would you choose to do? What's your passion? What skills and talents do you possess? Where can you dominate in your field? What would you like to be known for? You don't have to run off and start a whole new career, you can simply begin injecting some of that passion into your daily life. Make it hobby. Perhaps once or twice a month devote a few hours to whatever it is you have identified. Maybe you could or should have started years ago. No point dwelling on that now unless you have a Dr Who style time machine. Just start where you are so that when you look back over the next 1, 3, 12, 24 months you've actually made some progress.
GET SOME GOOD SUPPORT
Lewis didn't become World Champion alone. He drove the car each race day, but each drive was supported by an amazing team, all focused on one goal, to be the best they could be, to support the drivers, and become world champions.
GET A COACH OR MENTOR
Right back in those early days Ron Denis spotted the potential of Lewis and made a decision to support his career. The relationship has been invaluable. When Lewis made his debut in 2007 he drove like a true, almost veteran professional, the years of wisdom and advice imparted by his mentor shining through.
KEEP GOING UNTIL YOU CROSS THE FINISH LINE
I always say of Formula One, "it ain't over until the fat lady sings", and this weekend that couldn't have been more true. I held my head in my hands as McClaren made the decision to switch to intermediary tyres, only to realise that the rain wasn't going to come as anticipated and he lost the vital 5th position 2 laps from the end, his world title bid seemed to be over. One lap to go and he was several seconds away regaining 5th place and was desperately short of time. Ferrari were celebrating. Massa could feel the trophy in his hands, but unknown to the spectators Lewis hadn't given up!! He was still racing right to the end and his determination and racing spirit meant that where others might have patted themselves on the back for putting in another good season and been resigned to just missing out, Lewis kept on going, kept on pushing, even when it seemed as though defeat was inevitable.
So have you given up? Have you accepted defeat too easily? Can you re-focus and go that extra mile?
SURROUND YOURSELF WITH GOOD PEOPLE
My only slight sadness about the race was the fact that on what should have been an explosion of celebration for all of the history that has been made today and the statistics that are now re-written, was that Lewis was surrounded by a stadium of people boo-ing. I am sure if he has come 2nd in the champtionship they would have been cheering and dancing in the streets. Despite the hostilty Lewis remained focused, dignified and got the job done.
Look around at your support network. Do they float or sink you? Are you surrounded by encouragement, or by people just waiting for you to make a mistake so that they can gloat or show their superiority? Do you have people that you can count on to be there regardless of the outcome? Are you putting yourself in situations that drain or nurture you?
THINK LIKE AN F1 DRIVER
Identify whatever the prize is for you. Set your focus. Get yourself a dream team. Build your support network. Find a great mentor. Hone your skills. Practice your craft. Put yourself out on the circuit of life. Explore and live your passion. Celebrate your successes, and remember to enjoy the ride!
Marilyn Devonish, Life & Performance Coach, Hypnotherapist, and Formula One Fan
